Mok, Coleman tee off at Youth Olympics

Golfers Natalie Mok and Terrence Coleman began their Youth Olympic Games campaigns in the individual stroke events in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday. On a par-70 course, Natalie shot 81, 11 over par. Mok took on Mexico’s Maria Almeida and Denmark’s Anne Norman. Alessia Nobilio shot two under par on her home course to lead the field with 68 gross. Her knowledge of the course was an obvious advantage. But despite being new to the course, 16-year-old Mok turned heads with her style of play and confidence. Coleman took on South Korea’s Sangha Park and South Africa’s Cole Steven. Coleman said he was nervous at the start. “At first, I thought they were going to outplay me just by watching them through the first couple of holes,” he said. “But after chatting with them and getting to know them a bit more, I became more comfortable and started playing my normal round of golf.” Coleman shot seven over par, walking away at the end of the first day, playing 77 off the stick. United States’ Akshay Bhatia Italy’s Andrea Romano, Australia’s Karl Vilips and Thailand’s Vanchai Luangnitikul share a four-way lead. Coach Nelson Gabriel said: “Terrence and Natalie need to stay more focused and make better decisions to improve their scores. “I’ve reminded them of the level of competition and the fact that there’s no difference between them and the other players. “It’s more about smart decision making to improve their scores.”